Thelma (Vanover) Clay, age 88, passed away peacefully at home in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on February 28, 2024. She was a faithful woman who dearly loved the Lord and her family. Thelma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Edward Clay, Sr. (2015); brother, Thurman (Sue) Vanover (2018); sister, Lina (Dillard) Craiger (2018); and son, Dwayne Clay, who passed away in the year of his birth (1963).
Born on March 14, 1935, in Wise County, Virgina, Thelma was the daughter of Milford Vanover and Mary Elkins. On February 4, 1956, at age 20, she married Don, the love of her life. Together, they raised their two children, Donald Edward Clay Jr., and Devona Lynn Clay, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1985, Thelma and Don retired to Seymour, Tennessee, where they met many close friends and attended Mountainview and Crossroad Church of God. Along with their granddaughter, Susan, and great grandchild, Lukas, Thelma and Don shared many special years in their hilltop home on Keck Street. In October of 2019, Thelma returned to Ypsilanti to be with her family for her final farewell.
Throughout her life, Thelma was a dedicated and compassionate homemaker. She poured her heart into everything she did, and she believed a warm meal was the best way to a full heart. In her free time, Thelma enjoyed spending time with Don, and her extended family. She liked to travel, attend church and listen to music, particularly gospel and Bluegrass. She loved to tell stories about her life. Thelma and Don’s journey was notably recognized in a 1982 Time magazine article titled, “In Detroit: A Dream on Hold,” highlighting the struggles and aspirations of Southern families who moved North for factory work during that era. Thelma’s family and friends will always remember her playful smile, generous spirit, and loving devotion to Don.
In her final days, Thelma was cared for by her beloved children: Donald Edward (Darlene) Clay, Jr., and Devona Lynn Clay. She is also survived by her cherished siblings, Beatrice (John) Jesse, Elizabeth (Mike) Tomblin, Ernie (Janice) Vanover, Nancy (Phil) Brents, Randall (Rhonda) Vanover, Thomas (Janie) Vanover, and Charles (Jenny) Vanover; grandchildren, Susan Clay, Aaron (Tiffany) Clay, Adam Brown, Sarah (Neil) Clay Leyshock, and Joshua Clay; great-grandchildren, Lukas, Parker, Leigh, Kaylie, Sam, Harper, Jackson, Desire, Alaya, Aniyaha, Heiress, and Seth; and great-great-grandson, Aziah.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, March 4, 2024, at 3:00pm (Visitation 1:30pm) at Trinity Free Will Baptist Church, 410 Oregon Street, Ypsilanti. Reverend Mike Tomblin to officiate. Thelma will be laid to rest with a private ceremony at Berry Highland South Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee.
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